Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

linked from mat forum (Inflatabledreamspeed at MSN). Posted by screen name hippophagy:

For those of you who have never seen them here are some clips from "Fantasea" and "State of S". They are both terrific movies and if you like the clips I would recommend buying the movies. These clips are for information purposes only so people can see what experienced mat surfing looks like. The clips are low res

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljNxUhRQWWM

(I got a big bump up the learning curve by watching the State of S footage off the DVD many times in slow motion. Wasn't that thrilled with the rest of the movie. It was ok but just. But where else you gonna see a modern Neumatic being really worked?)

..

Oops, that wan't a Neumatic. Dale told me it was a 4th Gear Flyer, pre-Neumatics. Similar though. Modern era mat. First part is late 60's-70's canvas on rubber, old school mats.

Could GG have been wearing a dry suit????

No offense to the other person in the clip, maybe it was the mat type, but it seems like George was the only one in the clip making the mat look "magical." He was going so incredibly fast, in control, and that one particular wave he maintained the same high-line trim for an enormous length of time. The guy on the yellow mat seemed to be riding going slower than George. And he was sliding out more. Was the yellow mat a more techincally difficult mat to ride?

And by the way, in no way am I saying that he was a poor rider, or that mats are as easy as a bodyboard to ride because obviously...they are not. Bodyboards and similar rides are the most user friendly beginner ride in the world, and riding a mat for the first time would be like trying to learn a new language (coming from a bodyboarding background, considering you "make your own rails" as they say, and the fact that you use UDTs, among other issues).

Great link DrS! cheers

(had to laugh at the Batman '67 Surf's up clip )

Just found out from Dale that GG wearing an O'neils Super Suit w/ space age zipper. Were supposed to be very warm and fit loose like that on purpose.